"Bert"

Introducing Bert, friend and fellow writer. His work speaks for him.

"The Great Journey"

It is a brilliant night. Across the dome of the black sky, the Milky Way glows. To the north the Great Bear glimmers. To the south, Orion burns. On all sides, stars and planets gleam. The night sky blazes with celestial light.

Amid the starry night sits the great whit e palace. From its windows radiates a brilliant light. Like a full moon on a clear winter night the palace glows with light.

Inside the palace, on a throne of glittering crystal, sits the Prince. On his head gleams a crown of gold. Down from his shoulders flows a robe of dazzling white. Across his chest shimmers a sash of gold. On his feet shine slipper s of silver and gold.

Surrounding the Prince on his throne is a choir of thousands, robed in snowy white. Facing the throne and with arms raised high, the chorus joyfully sings: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come."

On the polished marble floor before the crystal throne stands a group of elders, dressed in white and wearing crowns of gold. Their faces are radiant and their arms raised high in worship. As the choir sings, they too sing.

High above the Prince on his throne, winged creatures fly in slow, majestic arcs. As they fly, these creatures join in the chorus of praise.

At the center of this cascade of worship, the Prince leans forward on his throne. His chin rests in his hand. A thoughtful look rests on his face. His blue eyes gaze into the distance, to a point far beyond the palace walls.

Minutes pass. Suddenly, the Prince sits up. "Rising to his feet, he steps down from the throne. With slow steps he begins to walk across the throne room. As he passes by, the elders remove their crowns and fall to their faces before him.

The Prince passes through an archway and onto an outer balcony. Stopping at the railing, he looks out over the night sky. A quiet smile plays on his lips. Cupping his hands together he shouts: "Let there be light!" From between the Prince's fingers a glow emerges. He opens his hands. Above his palms hover lights the size of fireflies. He gently blows into his hands--poof--and a new galaxy sails out into the waiting universe.

Looking out at the starry firmament, the prince focuses his gaze on a distant point of light. As he watches that light, a look of sadness spreads over his face. A tear forms in his eye, and then rolls down his cheek.

As the Prince gazes into space, a figure wearing a golden crown and carrying a jeweled scepter steps onto the balcony. it is the King. Walking up to his son, the King stops, and then follows with his own eyes the path of his son's gaze. After a minute's silence, he speaks. "My son, it is time."

"Yes father, I know. It is time for me to leave."

As the prince says this, a deep sigh passes his lips. "Father, I am ready to go. I am eager to go. I long to go to the dark planet. My heart breaks for the people there. I am restless until I have carried out our plan to rescue them."

The prince turns to face his father. Tears stain his cheeks. "But father, even though I am ready, it is hard to leave. My heart breaks at the thought of leaving you."

There is a brief silence. The king speaks. "I know son. My heart also aches for the dark planet. so many there are lost. So many are hurting. So many live in darkness. So many do not know my love for them. I, too, have longed for this moment. I have longed for you to go and shine the light of our undying love for the people there to see."

The King pauses, "Son, we both know this is a dangerous mission. It will cost you everything. It will cost you your life."

The King lays his hands on the Prince's shoulders. "But do not be afraid!I go with you on this journey. I will be with you every step of the way. I will be with you there, just as I am here. When your mission is done we will be together again."

Taking in his father's words, the Prince nods his head and smiles. With shining eyes he turns and again looks out at the speck of light in the vast ocean of stars.

Reaching up to his head, he slowly removes his golden crown, and lays it on the bench next to him. Taking his golden sash in hand, he slides it off, folds it, and lays in on the bench next to him. Taking his golden sash in hand, he slides it off, folds it, and lays in on the bench.

The Prince closes his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he savors the sounds of the angelic choir. From the palace radiates the joyful chorus: "Worthy is the Lamb to receive honor and glory and praise."

Reaching down to his feet, the Prince removes his golden slippers. Then, slowly, he begins to pull his glistening white robe down from his shoulders.

*****

It is a brilliant, starry night in the village of Nazareth. Young Mary awakes from her slumber. Butterfly wings flutter in her womb. Sitting up in bed, she puts her hands on her stomach. She smiles. "The Angel's promise has come true!" she whispers. "God has come to save his people. Immanuel!"